Conscious Grieving with Claire Bidwell Smith

Language of Love with Dr. Laura Berman

Grief, in its myriad of forms, touches us all at some point in our lives. And when it comes, it can often bring along an uninvited guest: anxiety.

In this Language of Love Conversation, I talk with author and grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith. When Claire was in her early twenties, she lost her parents, which deeply impacted her life. After her she began having panic attacks, Claire decided to learn more about grief-related anxiety. In fact, we now know that the kind of anxiety experienced with grief is a very unique sort.

In this conversation, Claire and I unpack:

• Grief-related anxiety, its unique manifestations, and how it differs from typical anxiety
• The different ways different cultures create space for grief
• Why it is important to allow oneself to fully experience and release emotions in the grieving process
• The transformative nature of grief and the ways it can impact on every aspect of a person's being
• Different kinds of losses and their ability to change us and lead to a pared-down version of ourselves
• The importance of being present for someone in their pain without needing to have all the right words or solutions
• How to maintain a strong connection to loved ones who have passed away and find ways to honor their memory

If you or someone you love is going through grief right now, or you've been there before, you're going to find this conversation really eye-opening. So, let's dive in!

Remember to check out Claire Bidwell Smith's website to learn more about her work, especially her online support group retreats and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Don't forget to preorder her new book, “Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief,” and grab her other titles like “The Rules of Inheritance” and “After This: When Life is Over, Where Do We Go?” Plus, stay tuned for her upcoming release, “Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss.”

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